Retractable bunk

ABSTRACT

A retractable bunk or bed is disclosed. The retractable bunk can be used in a sleeper compartment so as to optimize space within the cab. The innovation can include a shaft around which a suitably strong, yet flexible, material bunk can be wound. Thus, in a closed or “hidden” state, the material can be rolled up around the shaft and stowed, for example behind a door or within a compartment as desired. In an open position, the material is extended in a horizontal manner and affixed to retain the “bunk” position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patentapplication Ser. No. 61/379,947 entitled “RETRACTABLE BUNK” and filedSep. 3, 2010. The entirety of the above-noted application isincorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The cabin or “cab” of a truck is an enclosed space where the operator(or driver) is seated when operating a vehicle. Today, long-haul truckcabs often include many amenities that enhance comfort of a driver.These amenities include air conditioning, ergonomic seats and controls,hi-fi sound and entertainment packages, etc.

The rearward portion of some cabs often includes a sleeper compartmentequipped with amenities and services which include televisions, Wi-FiInternet access, beds and the like. A sleeper is often a separatecompartment attached to the cab where the driver can rest while notdriving. Sleeper units can range from a simple bunk compartment to aspacious “apartment-on-wheels.”

Because space is limited within the sleeper portion of a cab, manyappliances and the like have been reduced in size to accommodate andmaximize space. Similarly, furnishings are strategically designed tooptimize the limited space available in a cab. There exists a need tocontinue to develop space-saving furnishings for inside a sleepercompartment of a cab.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the innovation in orderto provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the innovation. Thissummary is not an extensive overview of the innovation. It is notintended to identify key/critical elements of the innovation or todelineate the scope of the innovation. Its sole purpose is to presentsome concepts of the innovation in a simplified form as a prelude to themore detailed description that is presented later.

The innovation disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof,comprises a retractable bunk or bed. In aspects, this retractable bunkcan be used in a truck's “sleeper” compartment so as to optimize spacewithin the cab. The retractable bunk can include a shaft around which amaterial bunk can be wound. The bunk can be made of most any suitablystrong yet flexible material that enables winding and can sustain theweight of an individual when unwound (and locked) in a horizontalfashion. Thus, in a closed, wound or “hidden” position, the material isrolled up around the shaft and stowed, for example behind a door orwithin a compartment as desired. In an open position, the material isextended in a horizontal manner and affixed to retain the “bunk”position.

In another aspect of the subject innovation, the bunk can be equippedwith a spring-loaded or other auto-retractable mechanism such that, whenunlatched, the retractable bunk can be rewound and stowed with ease.When in a wound state, the bunk can be hidden, e.g., behind a panel, ifdesired. This windup bunk can assist in maximization of space within atruck's sleeper compartment.

In yet other aspects, the retractable bunk can be equipped withmotorized units and controls so as to effect automatic deployment. Someaspects can be deployed manually as well as motorized as desired.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certainillustrative aspects of the innovation are described herein inconnection with the following description and the annexed drawings.These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various waysin which the principles of the innovation can be employed and thesubject innovation is intended to include all such aspects and theirequivalents. Other advantages and novel features of the innovation willbecome apparent from the following detailed description of theinnovation when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example retractable bunk assembly in a retractedstate in accordance with aspects of the innovation.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example retractable bunk assembly in an extendedstate in accordance with aspects of the innovation.

FIG. 3 illustrates example hardware and catch assemblies in accordancewith aspects of the innovation.

FIG. 4 illustrates example bunk assemblies in retracted states inaccordance with aspects of the innovation.

FIG. 5 illustrates example bunk assemblies in an open or extended andlocked state in accordance with aspects of the innovation.

FIG. 6 illustrates example conveniences in a bunk area in accordancewith aspects of the innovation.

FIG. 7 illustrates example conveniences in a bunk area in accordancewith aspects of the innovation.

FIG. 8 illustrates example conveniences in a bunk area in accordancewith aspects of the innovation.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example bunk segmented and folded (or bent) in anaccordion-like manner for storage.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example bunk partially segmented and folded (orbent) in an accordion-like manner for storage.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example method of providing a retractable bunk.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, whereinlike reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout.In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the subject innovation. It may be evident, however,that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an exampleretractable bunk system 100 in accordance with aspects of theinnovation. Generally, in one aspect, the retractable bunk system 100can include a roller assembly 102 (not shown) capable of rolling (orwrapping) material 104 thereon. In aspects, the roller mechanism 102 caninclude a spring mechanism (not shown) that effects auto-winding andprovides resistance when unwinding (and assistance when winding) thematerial 104 upon mechanism 102. In these aspects, it will beappreciated that the mechanism's rod or roller 102 can include at leastone end that rotates independent of the pin. As will be understood, eachend of the roller mechanism 102 can be removeably positioned within anotch or holder so as to retain the roller when unwound while at thesame time enabling the roller to spin or rotate thereby enablingunwinding of the bunk material. In other aspects, the mechanism can befixedly attached, e.g., within a compartment, wall, etc.

As shown in FIG. 1, a material 104, e.g., trampoline-like material, canbe wrapped upon roller mechanism 102 (not shown). In the aspect, in itswrapped (or wound) state, as shown, the retractable bunk assembly 100 iscompact thereby not occupying much space within the cab. It will beunderstood that each end of the roller assembly 102 can be attached intoa bracket or catcher such that it is able to freely (or substantiallyfreely) rotate.

In operation, once extended (or unrolled), the material 104 creates abunk-like surface upon which an individual can sit or lay. Similarly,the in its unrolled state, the extended material can be used as a shelfor other storage location. Once extended, as shown, a locking rod 106can be attached to the material so as to be latched (or otherwisepositioned) into roller catches 108. These catches 108 will be betterdescribed upon a review of the figures that follow. Here, in operation,the roller mechanism 102 can be rotated while the material is unwound.As shown, the material can be equipped with a support rod (or aplurality of pins) 106 which can be inserted within the catches 108thereby holding the material in an taut or extended state.

While one set of catches 108 is shown, it is to be understood thatadditional (or adjustable) catches can be employed so as to enableadjustment of the tension applied to the unwound material. In aspects,an additional set of catches 108 can positioned closer to the windingmechanism 102 such that the material will be less-taut upon securing.Still further, catches 108 can be equipped upon tracks or slides so asto enable adjustment of the distance from the roller mechanism 102. Aswill be understood, the closer the catches 108 are to the rollermechanism 102, more slack can be provided in the material.

In alternative aspects, an optional cushion 110 can be employed to restupon the extended fabric or material 104. As described above, the fabricor material 104 can be most any material capable of supporting theweight of a human body. In some aspects, the material is rubber-basedsuch as that used in a trampoline. In others, suitably strong netting(e.g., nylon) can be employed. It is to be understood that most anymaterial known in the art can be employed without departing from thespirit and/or scope of the innovation and claims appended hereto.

While the aspect illustrated in FIG. 1 illustrates that the bunk can beretracted or extended from a wound coil of material mounted or otherwisehidden within a wall unit, other aspects contemplate the material beingcoiled or wound around the rod 104. These alternative aspects are to beincluded within the scope of this innovation and claims appended hereto.

Turning now to FIG. 2, an example view of a retractable bunk assembly200 is shown in accordance with an aspect of the innovation. Asillustrated, the retractable bed assembly 200 is shown in an extended oropened position. In other words, as depicted, the material 104 isextended and the roller 106 is positioned within catches (or holders)108. In this orientation, an individual can sit or lay directly upon thematerial 104, whereas the bunk can support the weight of the person.

Alternatively, and optionally, a cushion 110 can be positioned atop thematerial in a horizontal manner thereby providing additional cushion(and support) for comfort. In aspects, it will be understood that thecushion 110 can be manufactured from most any suitable materials (e.g.,foam) and covered with cloth, leather, vinyl or the like therebyenhancing comfort and support. Further, as shown the material 104 can befixedly attached to a backwall by way of a support rod 202 as shown (aportion of wound material or length of stored material is also shownnear support rod 202 in the inset). Other aspects can employ most anyattachment means know so as to attach the material to the back wall. Asdescribed supra, the coiling (or winding) mechanism can be positioned atthe innermost (near the wall as shown) or outermost location (e.g.,about rod 106). In yet other aspects, the retractable bunk can beequipped with motorized units and controls such as at or near location204 so as to effect automatic deployment. Some aspects can be deployedmanually as well as motorized as desired. These alternative aspects areto be included within the scope of the innovation without departing fromthe features, functions and benefits described herein.

As stated supra, the material 104 can be most any suitably rollablematerial having strength to withstand weight of a human body. Forexample, the material 104 can be a rubber-based trampoline-likematerial, a reinforced nylon netting, or other material. The shaft ofthe roller 106 can be manufactured of most any material including, butnot limited to, wood, steel, aluminum, alloy, composites or the like. Inone example, the roller bar 106 has a round cross-section thatfacilitates ease of rolling. However, it is to be understood andappreciated that other shapes including hexagons, pentagons, ovals,squares or the like can be employed as appropriate.

Additionally, in yet other aspects, the bunk can be segmented and folded(or bent) in an accordion-like manner for storage as shown in FIGS. 9and 10, discussed below. Still further, the segmented (and semi-rigid)bunk (not shown) can be guided (e.g., slidably traversed) into the backwall and stowed in that manner. These semi-rigid aspects are to beincluded within the spirit and scope of this specification.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternate view 300 of a roller mechanism 102 inaccordance with aspects of the innovation. As shown in the alternateview, roller 102 can be equipped with a spring-loaded rod 302 positionedwith the interior length of the roller 102. The rod 302 is configured torotate in at least one direction. For example, the rod 302 isspring-loaded such that resistance is provided to retain the material104 in a taut state upon rolling out. Once rolled to a desired length,the rod 302 engages thereby not enabling additional roll-out of material104.

Hardware, including bushings (e.g., metal or plastic bushings) 304 canbe applied to each end of the rod 302. The bushings 304 can be press fitonto each end of rod 302. When extended, the bushings 304 along with aportion of the roller 102 can be fit into catches 306 thereby retainingthe material 104 in a taut state. In operation, the bushings 304 (androller 102) can “snap” or otherwise be frictionally attached into thecatches 306.

It will be appreciated that catches 306 can be configured in a verticalslot-like manner as shown with regard to catches 306. In an alternativedesign, an angled slot-like manner can be employed as illustrated withregard to catch 308. In this manner, the catch 308 can naturally retainthe rod 102 in relation to the spring-back tension or friction. In otherwords, the locking feature can be inherently included within the angledshape of the catch 308.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, the retractable bunk assembly 300can be equipped with a lockable handle 310. The lockable handle 310 canbe manufactured so as to permit unwinding when in an “open” or“unlocked” (up) position (as shown). When “locked,” the handle can bepivoted downward. It will be appreciated that most any handle/lockassembly can be employed without departing from the spirit and/or scopeof the innovation.

Turning now to FIG. 4, a front view of an alternative bunk assembly 402in a retracted position is shown. As illustrated, the bunk assembly isretracted thereby increasing cab space. Additionally, it is to beappreciated that the retracted bunk assembly 402 can be equipped with orwithout an optional cushion as described supra.

Alternative perspective view 404 of a bunk in a retracted position isshown in FIG. 4. It is to be understood that, while a specificconfiguration is shown and described herein, alternative aspects can beemployed without departing from the spirit and/or scope of the features,functions and benefits described herein. As described above, theretractable material can be employed as a bunk or other shelf or storagearea. Further, while a bunk-sized example is shown and described, it isto be understood that the innovation can be employed in larger orsmaller sizes, for example, to provide a small storage shelf or tablearea as desired. These alternative aspects are to be included within thescope of the innovation described herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative aspect of a retractable bunk assembly500 in an extended, and locked, state. As shown in FIG. 5, the bunkcabin can be equipped with a full length (or partial length) sun/moonroof 502 or window as desired. In aspects, the roof portion 502 can beretractable, removable or pop-up (or combinations thereof).Additionally, a blind or cover can be provided so as to cover or shadethe bunk portion. It is to be appreciated that either or both the roofand/or the shade can be motorized as desired.

Referring now to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, additional conveniences to theretractable bunk assembly are shown. More particularly, the bunk areacan be equipped with an over moulded soft (e.g., rubber) edge. Netstorage bins can also be provided to enhance storage and convenience.While specific bins are shown, it is to be understood that most anystorage compartments can be employed without departing from the spiritand/or scope of the innovation. Further, the retractable bunkenvironment can include a flexi-lamp as shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 illustrates optional storage area lights as well as speakermodules. Other aspects can include air conditioning and heater ducts,etc. Overhead bins can be provided in order to assist with spacemaximization. Accordingly, FIG. 8 illustrates optionalair-conditioning/heating and entertainment (e.g., radio, television)controls.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example bunk segmented and folded (or bent) in anaccordion-like manner for storage. FIG. 10 illustrates an example bunkpartially segmented and folded (or bent) in an accordion-like manner forstorage.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example method 1100 of providing a retractablebunk. Method 1100 can include the act 1102 of extending a length ofmaterial from a wound state, wherein the length of material is fixedlyattached to a rod on one end and a fixed surface on the other. It canalso include the act 1104 of securing the extended length of materialinto a catcher mechanism. It can further include one or more of an act1106 of triggering an instruction to one of extend or retract thematerial, wherein the act of extending the length of material employs amotorized operation, an act 1108 of engaging a locking mechanism thatprohibits extension or retraction of the material based upon position ofa locking handle, or an act 1110 of positioning a support panel upon theextended length of material.

What has been described above includes examples of the innovation. Itis, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination ofcomponents or methodologies for purposes of describing the subjectinnovation, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that manyfurther combinations and permutations of the innovation are possible.Accordingly, the innovation is intended to embrace all such alterations,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes”is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term isintended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as“comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in aclaim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bunk system, comprising: a roller bar; a rodinsert that includes a retraction mechanism, wherein the rod insert isembodied within the roller bar; a sufficiently flexible and strongmaterial that is fixedly attached to the roller bar on one end and to afixed wall on the other end of a length, wherein the material extendsand retracts from a wound state around the roller bar; and a catchmechanism that retains the roller bar such that the material is in anextended state, wherein the material is configured to support the weightof a human body, and wherein the catch mechanism employs a pair of slotsthat retain each end of the roller bar in the extended state.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, the material is a rubber-based material.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1, the material is a reinforced fiberglass nettingmaterial.
 4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a cushion that ispositioned atop the material in the extended state.
 5. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the roller bar has a round perimeter shape.
 6. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a handle mechanism that one oflocks or unlocks the retraction mechanism.
 7. The system of claim 1,wherein the catch mechanism is adjustable and facilitates control of thetension of the material in the extended state based at least in partupon a position of the pair of slots.
 8. The system of claim 1, whereinthe catch mechanism employs a pair of angled slots that retain each endof the roller bar in the extended state.
 9. The system of claim 1,further comprising a motor that automatically extends or retracts thematerial to the extended state or a wound state.
 10. A method ofproviding a retractable bunk, comprising: extending a length of materialfrom a wound state, wherein the length of material is fixedly attachedto a rod on one end and a fixed surface on the other; securing theextended length of material into a catcher mechanism; and triggering aninstruction to one of extend or retract the material, wherein the act ofextending the length of material employs a motorized operation.
 11. Themethod of claim 10, wherein the material a rubber-based material. 12.The method of claim 10, wherein the material is a reinforced nettingmaterial.
 13. The method of claim 10, further comprising engaging alocking mechanism that prohibits extension or retraction of the materialbased upon position of a locking handle.
 14. The method of claim 10,further comprising positioning a support 1 panel upon the extendedlength of material.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the supportpanel is a cushion panel.